Question and Answer

Church Unity

Question:

Why another denomination? Shouldn't we just drop all denominational labels and just get along?

Answer:

Our Lord prayed that His followers would be one, even as the Son and the Father are one (John 17:21). Christians have never attained perfect unity on earth, though we will one day in heaven (Eph. 5:27). Unity among believers must be reached on the basis of truth, not by sweeping truth under the rug. "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Pr. 23:23). As a denomination the OPC is committed to the truth of Scripture. We are not permitted to have fellowship with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14); moreover, there are matters about which every church cannot avoid coming to some kind of decision (such as who is to be baptized, who is qualified to come to the Lord's table, who has authority to preach the word of God). While the OPC has not declared churches on other sides of these issues to be false churches, nonetheless, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). For further information see the paper "Biblical Principles of the Unity of the Church."

About Q&A

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